Hospitality

Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. Hebrews 13:2 NIV

Have you ever helped someone you had never met before? Have you invited someone to dinner at your first meeting? When my husband was in the military, and we were in Germany, we often invited soldiers to dinner after church. Inviting someone home to dinner helps you get to know that person. Hospitality was part of the culture in Bible times and still is in many countries. What can we learn about our verse today?

Hospitality as a Virtue: The verse emphasizes the importance of hospitality in the Christian life. Hospitality involves welcoming and caring for others, especially strangers or travelers. It reflects the love, kindness, and generosity that Christians are called to demonstrate in their interactions with others.

Welcoming Strangers: The verse specifically highlights the importance of showing hospitality to strangers. In biblical times, travelers often relied on the hospitality of strangers for shelter, food, and assistance. By welcoming strangers, Christians have the opportunity to express love and compassion to those in need, following the example of Jesus Christ.

Unexpected Blessings: The verse suggests that in showing hospitality to strangers, some people have unknowingly welcomed angels. This illustrates the idea that acts of kindness and hospitality can lead to unexpected blessings and divine encounters. It encourages believers to extend hospitality without reservation, trusting that God may use their actions to bring about His purposes. Abraham and Lot are examples of showing hospitality to angels.

Imitating Christ: Ultimately, the call to hospitality reflects the character of God and the example of Jesus Christ, who welcomed and ministered to all, regardless of their background or status. As followers of Christ, Christians are called to imitate His love and hospitality by reaching out to others with kindness and compassion.

In summary, Hebrews 13:2 underscores the importance of practicing hospitality as a fundamental aspect of Christian living, emphasizing the significance of welcoming strangers and the potential for unexpected blessings that may result from such acts of kindness.

–Diane (blog.peacebewithu.org)